Orin Brett Craig Bjerke, 48, of Clancy passed away Thursday, November 3, 2011. He died in his home surrounded by his family after a short three month battle with cancer.
Brett was born on November 19, 1962 in Helena to Orin and Helen Bjerke. He attended Broadwater Elementary school, C.R. Anderson and graduated from Capital High School in 1981. While attending high school, he met the love of his life, Laura Schell. Their first date was at the Sky Hi Drive-In movie theater. On August 14, 1982 at St. Cyril & Methodius Church they married and started their wonderful life filled with love, laughter and daughters.
From 1982 until 1985 Brett worked for American Building Company. In 1985, his brother, Ardine, opened Diamond Construction, Inc. where he supervised and built numerous building projects throughout Montana. He looked forward to summers when his daughters would work alongside him.
Brett’s passion for the Lord could be seen in everything he did. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church. He enjoyed working with members of the developmental disabled community.
Brett loved spending time with his family and helping others. He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, rafting, camping and doing many other outdoor activities with his friends and family. He touched many hearts and was loved by everyone who knew him.
He lived by the saying “I’m alive, I’m alert, and I feel great!”
Brett was preceded in death by his sister Debrah Kaye Bjerke of South Dakota.
He is survived by his wife Laura; his daughters Amber and Mike Buchanan, Holly Bjerke, and Debbie Bjerke of Clancy, and Rebecca Bjerke and Fiancé David Bent of Bozeman. His grandchildren Noah and Skylar Buchanan. His parents Orin & Helen Bjerke of Helena. His siblings Maureen & Chris Byrd of Hungry Horse, Ardine & Susan Bjerke of Helena, Errol & Barbara Bjerke of Helena, Cynthia Bjerke of California, Allison & Greg Rash of California, and Tawnee & Joey Walker of Seattle. His in-laws: Ray Schell of East Helena, Gayle & Jim Howard of Helena, Theresa & Ken Lewing, Irene & Mark Bushnell, Denise & Dean Sowers, David & Carrie Schell, Mary & Rick Baker all of Helena, and Donna & Donald Driver of Butte. Brett is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces & great-nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Brett’s life will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov.7 at First Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway St. in Helena. For those wishing to send memorials in Brett’s name, an account at Valley Bank has been setup or flowers can be sent to the church.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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angie jacot says
Brett was a great man. I am so sorry for your loss. We lost a great friend but heaven gained a great angel
Betty Brewer says
Laura and family, my heart goes out to you all. Brett is and will always be in your hearts. He was such a wonderful example of God’s love and goodness. His love for each and every one of you was seen every moment of every day. Don’t ever forget how much he loved you all and he will forever remain in your hearts and minds. You all know that he is Heaven now smiling down with that that electrifying smile that was always on his face. His love and legacy will live on forever through each and every one of you.
Brett will always be remembered by me for how much he love his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, his church, his friends and all of the rest of the world. He will never be forgotten on this earth and the Angels are singing a beautiful Alleluia chorus right now and will never stop until we all see him again.
Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and I will hold you all close in heart that God will grant you his loving, healing peace. There are no words to lighten your grief or loss, but just know that you are not alone.
All my Love in Christ Jesus,
Betty Brewer
Brett is and always will be remembered and those of us who that had the “privilege” of knowing him will never forget his undying love for his family and his God.
Cecil and Bev Hill says
Please accept our sympathy. We lost Glen nearly 2 years ago also from cancer and know how difficult this is. We think of you often and extend our prayers. Bev & Cecil
Christy (Roe) Eller says
The loss of Brett at such a young age is simply heart breaking. I fondly remember the years we spent together as members of Saturday’s Children; singing (or was it mostly teasing???) Laura and I were quite close when they began dating – their relationship was, without question, love at first sight. Soulmates…. and blessed to have found each other.
Chuck, Vicki, Jacob, & Jesse Ruzicka says
Dear Brett, We will always remember your smile and enthusaism on our float trips with you and your family. First, the Smith River: the water fights, campfires games, volleyball, and being out under God’s big sky, on his flowing waters, and getting to know our God, ourselves, and our new friends better. And of course the nick names you gave each of us: Jesse = Skeeter; Jacob = Jet puff; Hayden = Wilson wilson.
Second trip was down the Blackfoot and was just as good as the first, with water fights, campfires, card games, and just plain relaxing and floating. Vicki and Quinn McCauley joined us on this joourney.
We pray to Father God that He look over and comfort your family in these times of grief and that we all remember the good times that you were such a large part of.
In God’s name we pray,Chuck, Vicki,Jacob,& Jesse Ruzicka, Hayden Wilson,&Quinn McCauley
Debbie Smith says
Laura I an so sorry to hear that Brett was even sick. I just heard that a couple of weeks ago. My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family at this time. I know Brett was a wonderful man and great father and husband. Please take care of yourself and I will see you soon.
Dwight & Roxanne Hiesterman says
Laura and family and to the Bjerke families,
Roxanne and I send our deepest sympathy and our concerns for all of you at this time of your loss. We were not able to attend the service, but want you all to know that we hold you in our prayers and we were honored and blessed to have known Brett.
Ellwein says
We’re so sorry for your lost…We hope that you can find comfort knowing that he’s finally at peace. Brett was an amazing man who always had a huge smile, and a helping hand, ready for anybody. He will truly be missed by many…
-Emma and Joe
Kathy Finley says
All of us at Triple Eight are so saddened to hear about the passing of Brett and extend our deepest sympathy. As Art said, he was one of the good guys and such an important part of of all of it. He had such a love of life and his family. He was one of the most uplifting people I have ever known! Though we can’t be at the service tomorrow, know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers, as will Brett. I am sure he slid into heaven just the way he always came up to the ranch…flags flying, that wonderful smile and a great big warm bear hug for everyone. He will be greatly missed by us.
Kathy Finley
Lisa Stanley says
May God’s loving arms be with you all knowing that your husband and father are up in Jesus’ wonderful heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!!
Randall Redpath says
Rita says
Brett and a crew of volunteer carpenters came to Great Falls a number of years ago. We had an old fashioned “barn raising” for a garage and shop. My brother was wheelchair bound and my immediate family couldn’t manage the construction alone. I remember Brett running across the roof with a staple gun- his skill was amazing. His commitment to doing good works will never be forgotten by my family. We’ll hold Brett’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful man- earth’s loss is heaven’s gain. May he rest in peace.
The family of Randy Pickering